October 20, 1998


RE:HOUSEHOLD GOODS RULE MAKING 
DOCKET NO. TV-971477



Thank you for this opportunity to submit written testimony regarding regulation 
of the household goods moving industry.

The State of Washington has charged the Washington State Utilities and 
Transportation Committee with regulating a number of relevant industries 
including household goods movers. However, it has come to my attention that 
there are a large number of unlicensed operators doing business in this state.  
Please consider the following negative impacts of allowing this situation to 
continue:

•Unlicensed operators are able to compete unfairly because they are not 
regulated.

•Consumers are at risk when dealing with unlicensed operators.

•Employees of unlicensed operators are at risk because they are frequently paid 
“under the table”and are not provided the benefits to which they are entitled.  

I encourage you to adopt rules, regulations and an enforcement mechanism that 
will protect our state’s licensed movers, consumers and workers.

I look forward to hearing the results of your effort.

Sincerely,


Georgia Gardner
Representative, 42nd District